PRobecast 116: Apple Tracking Users, AT&T’s Cell Sites in Remote Areas and Vet vs. Net
April 29th, 2011 by Alison Raymond
I’m back from vacation and taking over PRobecast once again! In this episode Renatta Siewert, Justin Martell and Caitlyn Smith join me in talking about the accusations that Apple tracks all users, AT&T being the first carrier to supply cell sites for remote areas and why you should bring your pet to the vet instead of WebMDing little Fido.
Steve Jobs finally breaks silence on iOS tracking – Last week, Apple was enduring some allegations of tracking users via your coordinates on a map, and saving it on your device as well as on any computer you may have synced the device. Naturally, several other rumors sprung from this, including comparing Android and iOS. Steve Jobs says Android tracks, iOS doesn’t, while the Wall Street Journal says iOS does track. What do you think? Who’s telling the truth? Will this hurt iPhone or iPod sales in any way?
AT&T prepares for disasters through 30-minute cell sites – AT&T is claiming it is the first carrier to supply a customer-deployable model for mobility recovery to help with disaster recovery and business continuity efforts. Businesses, public safety agencies and governments located in remote areas can now easily set up cell sites with the help of AT&T’s Remote Mobility Zone. The model can also be packed up in a small suitcase for easy travel. What do you think – will this help AT&T’s image? Do you think it’ll work in light of the many natural disasters scientists are predicting?
Are you a Google diagnoser? It could be dangerous for your pet – There’s no doubt that forums – whether it’s a review or Q&A, are helpful for people. But the same may not be true for your pet. WebMD and other such sites are helpful when a person can describe symptoms, but since your pet can’t speak, the reliability of such sites goes way down. Many veterinarians get nervous when people diagnose their own pets, and the argument is called “vet vs. Net”. Are there any other instances where you’d avoid the all-knowledgeable Google?
Don't Google Me
Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.
This week – AT&T won! Since they have been in the media spotlight for negative issues such as the iPhone 4 mishap, shoddy service, etc., they have been working to improve their public image and these cell sites help to add a notch on their belts. Good work!
Who do you think should have won this week?
Category: Mobile, PRobecast, Security, Web | No Comments »
Live Chat – Customer Service Makes a Difference
April 27th, 2011 by Paula Slotkin
Do products and services become extinct after a certain period of time because lack of interest or lack of manufacturing or lack of representatives helping customers find these products? While no one may want a “Zack Morris” phone, I did want to keep (or at least try to revive) my built-in microwave. However after buying new fuses and making several visits to the repair shop, I finally decided it was time to get a replacement. This was not a simple task because the built-ins in 1994 were very compact. So, as you can imagine, replacing this appliance became a major problem. I checked out all the big box stores and even checked out some manufacturers online to see if I could locate a microwave that would fit the existing space. No luck.
Ready to do some demolition on the cabinet, I thought I’d try one last time. I figured there had to be a small, built-in microwave somewhere out there, right? After a little more searching on the internet, I found a site that offered the one thing I needed – customer service.
I went online to Yale Appliance and saw the button “Click for Live Support online.” Immediately, Rachel came online, asked what I was looking for and, in minutes, came back to me with two options – ones that even came with trim kits. I had searched these manufacturers’ sites before, but didn’t find these models. Needless to say, with Rachel’s help, I bought a microwave and trim kit on the spot.
In this age of overwhelming amounts of consumer options, the brand (or retails outlet) that makes it easy wins the consumer’s heart! And, I’ve already referred Yale to a friend.
Category: customer service, PR, Ranting | No Comments »
Sony Unveils Two Tablet PCs
April 26th, 2011 by esiff
Sony recently unveiled its two new tablet PCs which will go on sale later this year (let the drooling commence…) and I must say that I think we may finally have the iPad killer Android users have been waiting for. The timing couldn’t be better either, after the failure of the Samsung Galaxy, Motorola Xoom and Blackberry RIM Playbook to prove a worthy competitor to the iPad.
The first tablet, dubbed the S1, is a 9.4” tablet that is thicker on one end and tapers down toward the other end, making it easier to grip. The other tablet, cleverly called the S2, is a smaller, clam-shell style device that folds open to reveal two 5.5” touchscreeens and can easily fit inside a jacket pocket.
Sony tablets S1 & S2
I have a feeling I will end up purchasing at least one of these devices, perhaps both. Although Sony products tend to be a little more expensive than their competitors, their quality, reliability and design more than make up for it. I’ve been using the same Sony Vaio laptop for the past 4 years with no problems (knock on plastic) patiently waiting for the right time to upgrade, which is hopefully coming in a few months.
Category: Mobile, News & Commentary, PR, Predictions, Social Media, Tech, video | No Comments »
